I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that can have devastating effects on a person's physical and emotional health. There are two main types of eating disorders –– anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both disorders involve abnormal eating habits that can cause serious health problems.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you need to seek professional help. This article discusses each type of eating disorder and its treatment options.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Anorexic people have a distorted view of their bodies and see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously thin. Anorexia is a severe mental illness that can lead to death if left untreated.
Anorexia nervosa has different causes, including genetic factors, psychological problems, and cultural influences. The psychological problems that can lead to anorexia nervosa include low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Cultural influences may also play a role in the development of anorexia nervosa. In most cultures, there's a lot of emphasis on being thin, and this can lead to body image issues.
There's no definitive "cure" for anorexia nervosa, but treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medications. With treatment, many people with anorexia nervosa can recover from the condition and achieve a healthy weight.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is also a life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa feel intense pressure to be thin and often go to extremes to achieve their desired weight. Bulimia nervosa is basically a cascade of bingeing and purging cycles.
Bingeing is defined as eating an abnormally large amount of food within a short time. This is often followed by purging, which can take the form of vomiting or using laxatives. People with bulimia nervosa often feel out of control during a binge and use purging as a way to compensate for the calories consumed.
Bulimia nervosa has serious physical and psychological consequences. Physical complications can include dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal problems, and tooth decay.
Psychologically, bulimia nervosa can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Bulimia nervosa is often a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological factors.
Bulimia nervosa is treatable, but it requires a long-term commitment. Treatment typically includes individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage the symptoms of bulimia nervosa.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Eating disorders are serious illnesses that can have devastating effects on a person's physical and emotional health. With treatment, however, many people with eating disorders are able to recover and live healthy, happy lives.
For more information about treatment options for eating disorders, talk to a doctor.
Share25 May 2022
